Impact of residents' livelihoods on attitudes towards environmental conservation behaviour: An empirical investigation of Tioman Island Marine Park area, Malaysia

• The study found that socio-economic status has a positive effect on attitudes.
• It was found that attitudes have an effect on environmental conservation behaviour.
• The findings revealed that local livelihoods had improved within marine park areas.
• It will help policymakers formulate better policies for conserving marine diversity.

This study examines the establishment of marine park areas (MPAs) in Malaysia, with specific reference to the Tioman Island off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This paper investigates livelihood sustainability and environmental issues in MPAs, focussing on socio-economic conditions and the sustainability of communities. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact communities' well-being has on attitudes and conservation behaviour within Malaysian MPAs. Based upon a literature review, seven hypotheses were stated and tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). The major findings of this study indicate that social and physical assets relating to the Tioman Island community's livelihoods have improved, but that the residents lack substantial human capital, and financial and environmental assets. The model shows that human assets (β = 0.361) and environmental assets (β = 0.291) have positive and significant influences on attitudes towards environmental conservation behaviour. It also indicates that human, environmental, social and financial assets have positive effects on environmental conservation behaviour, which is mediated by the islanders' attitudes. It was noticed that MPAs are confronting numerous environmental challenges, such as solid waste and water pollution, the bleaching of coral reefs, tropical storms and floods, prolonged droughts, high tides and disease outbreaks due to climate change. Therefore, this study will help policymakers formulate better policies for conserving marine diversity, as well as improve the socio-economic status of the community.